The New Hobbit Hole

[Sam Cree]

Morning, everyone. I will be out of town 'til Sunday or Monday, see everyone then. Take care.

[ksen]

ACK! How can you say this?

...and ones that we can’t even nibble at without getting sick to our stomachs on the other....

Oh, I only meant that on the one hand we have The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings which everyone loves and has no problem reading. However, it seems that a majority of the people who begin The Silmarillion do not finish it.

I was just wondering at the two different reactions the same person can have to a different work by the same author.

I think the Silmarillion rocks!

And so do I. ;^)

[ksen]

Mention is made that after the Last Days of Middle-Earth, Iluvatar would reveal to the minds of his creations "the secret fire".

When Gandalf was on the Bridge of Khazad-Dum he told the Balrog that he was a servant of "the secret fire" and "wielder of the flame of Anor." I wonder if the secret fire that Gandalf serves is the same secret fire that Iluvatar said he would use to illumine the minds of his Children.

Could the secret fire be Tolkien's version of the Holy Spirit?

[ksen]

See ya Sam! Have a great and safe trip. Come back to us safely and quickly. We'll keep a light on for you.

[ksen]

Hmmm, to funkle or not to funkle, that is the question....

[John Farson]

I was just wondering at the two different reactions the same person can have to a different work by the same author.

Christopher Tolkien pieced together The Silmarillion after his father was dead. I'll give you a big reason -- it is written in verse! I might attempt it again, once I finish reading the Kalevala.

For those who don't care for verse, The History of the Middle Earth and Unfinished Tales are nice additions to the Tolkien universe.

[2Jedismom]

I actually read the part last night where Gollum says "We are lost." It's during Faramir's interrogation of him.

Sure struck me different after listening to that song.

[ksen]

Hmm, I didn't realize TS was written in verse. That would, I suppose, account for the difficulty many people have in reading it.

My daughter asked me last night what TS was like. I told her it was sort of like reading the Old Testament.

[2Jedismom]

Today is our Christmas Card Event!! I'm off in a rush. See you all later and I hope to post pictures!

[g'nad]

y'all have a great day, 2JM... thanks for what yer doin'...

[John Farson]

IMO, the Old Testament (KJV) is much easier to follow. There are fewer names to keep track of.

[HairOfTheDog]

Great gallery ecurbh! You have found some nice big pictures, need to go through them again and grab some of those for my screensaver!

[HairOfTheDog]

Thanks ksen! - for your summary of Silmarillion sections! - I, like 2J, don't think I have the heart to read it now, but I am inspired to when the new movie excitement seetles down!

[HairOfTheDog]

Oh - And Hullo! - Good Morning!

[Lil'freeper]

Oh, I dunno. Plenty of begat-begat-begat-begats in the OT. But it is very KJVish.

[ksen]

I love the Old Testament, but you have to admit there are some pretty dry sections. Most people who begin reading the OT (not to be confused with Overtaxed) stop when they get into the description of the Tabernacle, or if they get past that they stop in Leviticus.

Christians who ignore the Old Testament because it is "too hard" are robbing themselves of over half of God's word. Likewise, Tolkienites who shy away from TS are robbing themselves of a much deeper appreciation for what Tolkien has created.

[ksen]

Your welcome Hair, and good morning to you too.

[HairOfTheDog]

You are mighty inspired this morning!

[HairOfTheDog]

I am kinda tired.... was restless trying to sleep last night.

[ksen]

You are mighty inspired this morning!

Huh? Who? Me?